Mayon PDC in Mi-isi Gully prompts no-entry rule; DOT halts tours
AN elderly man smiles as he walks on a road covered by ash from Mayon Volcano in Camalig, Albay. (Mayor Caloy Baldo FB)
LEGAZPI CITY – Local authorities in Daraga have ordered strict enforcement of the no-entry policy within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) after the Mayon Volcano’s Pyroclastic Density Current (PDC) along the Mi-isi Gully caused heavy ashfall in several towns in Albay.
In an interview on Tuesday, Daraga Mayor Victor Perete said no human activity is allowed within the PDZ in light of recent hazardous events in the Mi-isi channel.
“The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has advised that there should be no human activity within the six-kilometer PDZ. We inspected the area with Gov. Noel Rosal and the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office, and we saw that it is really dangerous,” Perete said.
He said local officials will convene barangay leaders to reinforce safety measures after a portion of the gully collapsed and was filled with volcanic materials.
Meanwhile, Albay Gov. Noel Rosal said the Mi-isi area should be treated as a “no man’s land” due to the risk of sudden hazardous events.
“That area should be closed. What happened last Saturday (May 2) can happen anytime. It is within the PDZ, so we have to be very careful,” he said.
Rosal added authorities are closely monitoring Mayon’s activity for a possible expansion of the danger zone.
Authorities continue to urge the public to strictly comply with safety advisories amid ongoing volcanic activity.
Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism in Bicol (DOT-5) has issued safety protocols for tourism stakeholders to ensure public safety.
The DOT has suspended volcano-related tours such as trekking, climbing, and close-proximity sightseeing activities around Mayon.
Tourism establishments are advised to provide face masks and ensure access to safe, indoor shelter during ashfall events.
The establishments are further advised to post visible advisories for guests, including emergency contact numbers and evacuation procedures.
They must also coordinate with local government units to redirect tourists to safe zones and brief them on current risks.